We think it’s pretty cool that, even though we keep refining our tests, the same vacuums keep coming out on top year after year. We also measured each vacuum’s raw suction with a specialized gauge and each one’s airflow with an anemometer. Suction allows the vacuum to lift debris off the ground, and airflow helps push the debris to the vacuum’s dustbin. In general, more suction and airflow translate to better cleaning performance, but brush-roll action is also important, especially on carpeting, because you need agitation to get at the debris embedded in carpet fibers. Most recently, we tested 13 vacuum cleaners that met or exceeded our specs requirements, or that at least are so popular we knew some readers would want information on how they perform.
Writers Sarah Bogdan and Liam McCabe conducted research and testing for this guide. Praised by nearly everyone as excellent, this nimble canister vacuum works on any kind of flooring, runs quiet, and should last for decades. This model shark robotic vacuums is great for those with asthma and allergies, but it requires bags. When you open the box, six cleaning attachments and an accessories bag will greet you. With this many attachments, the Rocket can deal with just about anything.
While the Shark Navigator Lift-Away has plenty of features, it’s suction power isn’t as strong as some other Shark vacuums. You’ll likely have to vacuum an area two or three times before it’s fully clean. But with that being said, the versatility and ease-of-use of this vacuum is hard to beat, especially at its lower price point. With the push of a button, the canister can be emptied directly into a trash can. Some of the wet hair got stuck inside, so we did have to reach in and wipe it away to fully clean out this section of the petite vacuum. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a washable filter, this small but mighty vacuum from Shark will help you clean up after your pet from a variety of spaces, including the inside of a car.
We’ve considered all the important factors, such as maneuverability, run-time, emptying of the canister (or bag), and general controls. “Whatever vacuum you choose, one of the things that you want to be careful of is to not overfill it because it can become clogged, and it will work less efficiently,” Ek told The Spruce Pets. But depending on your needs, the type of surfaces you need to clean, and your budget, you may prefer another one of our other favorites. Any prices or free gifts may be altered at any time without prior notice.
But unlike our main pick, every inexpensive model we’ve come across needs its belts or filters, or both, replaced at regular intervals to maintain the cleaning performance. You’ll need to pay for those replacements and do the maintenance yourself, too. If you don’t take care of a cheap upright vacuum cleaner, it’ll lose most of its cleaning ability in about 12 to 18 months. If you do take care of a cheap upright vacuum, after a few sets of new belts and filters, it will end up costing more than our main pick. With the Shark Navigator Lift-Away guaranteed to last five years on warranty alone, the math proves that paying a little more right now will almost always save you money over time.
Cordless sticks and robot vacuums are convenient, but the best plug-in uprights and canisters clean better and last longer. We’ve tested dozens of plug-in vacuums over the years, and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been our favorite since 2014. Most Shark vacuums we’ve reviewed can effectively clean a variety of floors, but some models may work better or worse for certain flooring types. On the first day of testing, Jaclyn found the separate dust bin in the base was relatively full after covering around 1,000 square feet of floor space. On day two, there was significantly less, a sign that it had picked up most of the debris on day one, and everything else was routine upkeep. She loved that it empties itself once it has finished cleaning, but there are a few ways it could’ve been better.
It is a 2-in-1 vac, though bear in mind it’s designed to be a handheld-to-stick model, not the other way around. If you only have a small home and you want something lightweight, cheap, and reliable to make cleaning super easy, this could definitely be your next vacuum. Our verdict
When using this vacuum to clean up after a renovation period at home, Jaclyn found that it suctioned everything in its wake with minimal repeat passes. shark pet hair vacuum It never wrapped around the self-cleaning brush roll or clogged the vacuum shaft, so it’s safe to say this vacuum is pet parent-approved. The LiftAway feature also made cleaning the stairs during testing significantly easier, though the vacuum definitely felt bulky and a little tiring to operate after a while. It also boasts Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction technology, so it practically walks itself around your home.
I strive to write unbiased, intelligent vacuum cleaner reviews and I provide a score for each and every vacuum I investigate. Odor Neutralizer Technology – The vacuum comes with an odor neutralizer cartridge that can be installed in the cleaner head. You can smell the scent of the cartridge while you are vacuum (and after for a while). To start, we timed ourselves to see how long it took to set up each one, including charging times for the cordless models. We then used a decibel meter to measure the noise output of the vacuum on the highest setting.
When testing this pet hair vacuum, our team determined that the Samsung Jet 75 is the ultimate rival to pet hair. We found it easy to unpack and assemble, and appreciated the three power modes — “min, mid, and max” (a.k.a. low, medium, high). The vacuum worked effectively on hardwood floors, carpets, and even stairs, getting up most of the test debris (cheerios, coffee grounds, and, of course, pet hair). If you’re looking for an advanced Shark vacuum that makes pet hair cleanup a breeze, then the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Zero-M Technology will be a great choice. With Zero-M technology, the brush proactively removes and self-cleans hair wrap from the brush roll.
The returned item must be in its original packaging and in new, unused condition, with all original accessories and manuals included. Shark offers a five-year limited warranty, so we’d expect it to last at least that amount of time, but if you care for it right, it could last for up to a decade or more. We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life.